California Guard Forces Enter Battle Against Wildfires

A fire burning near Gilroy is approximately 20% contained.

California National Guard OH-58 Courtesy: picasaweb.google.com

(SACRAMENTO) - The California National Guard is providing three rotary aircraft to assist in extinguishing the 3,100 acre Santa Clara County Summit fire today.

A California National Guard spokesman says their organization responded quickly to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's call for support with a number of air assets.

One aircraft, an OH-58 observational helicopter from Mather Air Field, will provide real-time aerial photography and video support to the ground.

Other aircraft include a CH-47 from Stockton Flight Facility and a UH-60 from Mather; both are equipped with fire suppression devices and will be dropping retardant on the fire site, the California Guard reported.

These aircraft departed their home stations at approximately 12:00 PM today en route to the fire just west of Gilroy, Calif., which is currently only 20% contained.